State of Tech address announces enrollment of more than 1,600 students

State of Tech address announces enrollment of more than 1,600 students

On Monday, October 2, WVU Tech Campus President Carolyn Long
delivered the first State of Tech address on the Beckley campus.

Long delivered her presentation to faculty, staff and alumni
in the University’s Carter Hall auditorium, covering campus updates and
announcing that enrollment this fall exceeded WVU Tech’s goal of 1,500 students
by more than 100.

“I’m proud to
share that we didn’t just meet the goal – we beat it. We have more than 1,600 students
attending Tech this fall,” she said.

Long also shared that the University marked a 16% increase
in first-time freshman and retained 67% of students from the previous academic
year, up from 53% last year.

The address covered updates on the state of campus, including
renovations and new student spaces like the Benedum Events and Activities Room
and the Tech Spot café.

Long shared that academic programs are growing, too,
including those in forensic investigation and nursing. WVU Tech, she said, is
also looking into programs specific to the region, including a newly launched
minor in adventure recreation and the possibility of a construction management
program.

Students on
the Beckley campus have dramatically increased their community service efforts
and the school has entered into a number of partnerships within the community
to enhance the learning experience and offer student-athletes locations to
compete within the community.

Long shared
that these community partnerships and support from the WVU System are important
factors in WVU Tech’s ability to thrive in its new location.

“We’re very
proud to be a part of this extended university family and we’re grateful for
the support they have shown us in our transition,” she said. “They helped to
get us here today, and they’ll play a big role in our future as we expand here.”

“It took all
of us to get, and it will take all of us to move forward. We are Golden Bears
and no one can tell us we can’t be the very best there is,” she said.